🔮 The Bizarre World of The Amazing Criswell: Predictions, Fame & the Future That Never Was
The Amazing Criswell delivering one of his televised predictions.
Life and Predictions of the Amazing Criswell
He wore a glittering tuxedo, stared straight into the camera, and confidently declared that the world would end on August 18, 1999. That was just one of many outlandish predictions made by The Amazing Criswell—America’s most theatrical psychic and a true cult legend. Whether you believed him or not, Criswell had a way of making you listen.
In the world of television psychics, no one did it quite like the Amazing Criswell. He wasn’t subtle. He wasn’t shy. And he wasn’t often right. But he was unforgettable. From talk show appearances to low-budget films, he became a household name with a crystal-clear voice and a foggy crystal ball.
Best known for his outrageous forecasts and over-the-top personality, the Amazing Criswell carved out a unique spot in mid-century pop culture. He predicted everything from space invasions to presidential assassinations—all delivered with a deadpan certainty that made him strangely credible.
But who was the man behind the mystique? Before the spotlight and spectacle, Jeron Criswell Koenig had humble beginnings and a tough climb. His early years were far from glamorous, but they laid the foundation for the eccentric showman he would become.
For other TV psychic, see The Amazing Kreskin
👶 Early Years
The Amazing Criswell was born on August 18, 1907, in a very different time—an era when psychics were not taken seriously, let alone celebrated. Society viewed predictions and paranormal claims with skepticism, often brushing them off as nonsense or carnival tricks. Unlike today—or even fifty years later—there was no pop culture status for those claiming to see the future. Yet The Amazing Criswell would go on to become one of the most unforgettable figures in paranormal entertainment.
His birth name was Jeron Criswell Koenig, and he grew up in Indiana in a modest, working-class family. Financial hardship forced him to begin working at a young age, leaving large gaps in his formal education. Despite these early struggles, he developed a flair for performance, eventually finding work on the stage where his dramatic presence and booming voice made him stand out. It was during this period that he crafted the flamboyant persona that would follow him for life—The Amazing Criswell.
There are many curious stories about Criswell’s childhood, including claims that he lived in a funeral home and sometimes slept in casket storage rooms. Whether myth or memory, these tales only added to his mystique. His family’s struggles were real—he often went hungry, and life was far from glamorous. But he learned early how to capture attention and hold an audience, traits that would prove invaluable later on.
The Amazing Criswell always claimed he had a genuine gift for prediction, a skill he believed was strongest in his early years. In a later interview, he confessed that once he began accepting money for his forecasts, his abilities began to fade. Still, his distinct appearance—complete with heavy makeup, dramatic costumes, and his trademark spit-curled hair—combined with his bold, stentorian voice, made him a natural on television. At KLAC Channel 13, his prediction segments became legendary. While only a limited audience was allowed during tapings, the drama, spectacle, and outlandish forecasts made his show unforgettable.
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😓 Struggling Start!
The Amazing Criswell started his professional career as a radio announcer. After struggling in this for a few years, he moved to the news broadcasting. His family owned some interest in the manufacturing medicine; from here he started making advertisements for “Criswell Family Vitamins”. These advertisements lead to him buying time slot on local television as part of show also started a small segment of predictions. These predictions soon became more of the reason for fame for Criswell. Soon he became a minor celebrity in Los Angeles. He started to form friendships with the celebrities that lead him to be part of the Hollywood jet set in 1950s. His friends include Mae West, Korla Pandit, and many others.
The Amazing Criswell was also part of the Jack Paar Show from 1957 to 1962 and The Tonight Show with Jonny Carson. He started taking the psychic business more seriously in this period that leads him to writing couple of books that deal with his versions of events to come. Criswell soon moved into the movies, he was given typical roles of sinister or some one facing challenged life. His movies include, Plan 9 from outer Space, Night of Ghouls, and Orgy of the Dead. These are all filmed during the late 50s till early 70s.
🔮 Popular Criswell Predictions 📺
The Amazing Criswell Predicting the future—especially major world events—is no easy business. While many psychics have made vague or generalized claims, only a rare few have gained fame for making bold predictions that seemed to brush up against reality. The Amazing Criswell became a household name not because he was always right, but because he was never boring. His theatrical flair and dramatic delivery made even the most outrageous ideas entertaining.
The Amazing Criswell was not particularly skilled in managing his media image, which meant his incorrect predictions often got more attention than the few that came close. One notable example was his prediction that John F. Kennedy would not run for president—a claim that quickly proved false. Over time, the growing list of missed forecasts led even his most loyal fans to question the validity of his so-called visions.
In 1968, he published his first book, Criswell Predicts!, which compiled many of his most famous forecasts. These included apocalyptic visions such as mass cannibalism, invasions from outer space, and a bizarre claim that all metal would eventually become rubbery. Perhaps his most infamous prophecy was the end of the world in 1999—a date that, thankfully, came and went without incident.
In his later years, The Amazing Criswell shifted his end-of-days prediction to the year 2012, aligning with the popular interest in the Mayan calendar and the winter solstice. He also frequently warned that history would repeat itself, claiming the United States was on a path to become a "New Rome." While most of his predictions never materialized, his dramatic vision of the future left a lasting impression on American pop culture.
🏠 Personal Life
The Amazing Criswell was married to Hola Meadows; at that time she was the stage dancer and quite a sensation. Later years saw the couple losing shape but the style remained same as of youth. Hola was known to be most sun loving Californian and had the dark tan skin all year round. Criswell also predicted that his friend Mae West will be president, and Liberace will ride to the moon. West was his closest friend she took care of his finances, food, and other things most of her later life. The Amazing Criswell passed away in October 4th, 1982 and was buried in the Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park.
🔮 The Amazing Criswell’s Unforgettable Curtain Call
Though his predictions often missed the mark, Criswell’s legacy has proven strangely immortal. His unique style—part carnival barker, part Hollywood mystic—left an imprint not only on late-night television and talk shows but also on cult cinema. As a key figure in the bizarre world of Ed Wood, Criswell’s theatrical narration in Plan 9 from Outer Space has become legendary, delivering lines with such confidence and drama that they remain quotable decades later.
His strange charisma was reintroduced to a new generation through Tim Burton’s 1994 biopic Ed Wood, where he was played with campy affection by Jeffrey Jones. The film captures Criswell’s over-the-top presence with loving detail, cementing his place in pop culture history. Whether forecasting the rise of Denver as the new capital of the U.S. or warning of cosmic doom, The Amazing Criswell was never just a psychic—he was a performer. And in the world of film and television, sometimes style outlives substance.
Don’t miss out—make it your copy today. Enjoy Ed Wood anytime.
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Further Reading & Resources
📖 Read: Fact, Fictions, and the Forbidden Predictions of the Amazing Criswell
ML Lamp is the owner of Kilroy Was Here. After his 20 years of working in Las Vegas in the entertainment promotions field, Mr. Lamp retired in 2002 from his job to pursue his passion for collectibles. Now as a guest speaker and author he’s living the dream, and sharing his warmth with You.